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Wang X, Li N, Liu YH, Wu J, Liu QG, Niu JB, Xu Y, Huang CZ, Zhang SY, Song J. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in cancer therapy: A recent update on inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116678. [PMID: 39029337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is considered as a pivotal intracellular non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and has garnered significant attention as a promising target for anticancer drug development. As of early 2024, a total of 12 drugs targeting FAK have been approved for clinical or preclinical studies worldwide, including three PROTAC degraders. In recent three years (2021-2023), significant progress has been made in designing targeted FAK anticancer agents, including the development of a novel benzenesulfofurazan type NO-releasing FAK inhibitor and the first-in-class dual-target inhibitors simultaneously targeting FAK and HDACs. Given the pivotal role of FAK in the discovery of anticancer drugs, as well as the notable advancements achieved in FAK inhibitors and PROTAC degraders in recent years, this review is underbaked to present a comprehensive overview of the function and structure of FAK. Additionally, the latest findings on the inhibitors and PROTAC degraders of FAK from the past three years, along with their optimization strategies and anticancer activities, were summarized, which might help to provide novel insights for the development of novel targeted FAK agents with promising anticancer potential and favorable pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Na Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yun-He Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ji Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Qiu-Ge Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jin-Bo Niu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yan Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chen-Zheng Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Sai-Yang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention &Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Jian Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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2
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Huang Y, Wang Y, Zheng T, Nie S, Wang Y, Shen H, Mo F. Development of Dual Diagnostic-Therapeutic Nanoformulation Effective Against Pancreatic Cancer in Animal Model. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:9121-9143. [PMID: 39258004 PMCID: PMC11386073 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s464788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Erythrocytes and fibroblasts in the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment promote tumor cell growth and invasion by providing nutrients and promoting immunosuppression. Additionally, they form a barrier against the penetration of chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, the search for diversified tumor-targeting materials plays an essential role in solving the above problems. Methods Physicochemical characterization of Graphene fluorescent nanoparticles (GFNPs) and nanomedicines were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental analyzers and ultraviolet fluorescence (UV/FL) spectrophotometer. Localization of GFNPs in cell and tissue sections imaged with laser confocal microscope, fluorescence scanner and small animal in vivo imager. Qualitative detection and quantitative detection of GFNPs and GFNPs-GEM were performed using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results Based on the 3 nm average dimensions, GFNPs penetrate vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, achieve up to label 30% tumor cells and 60% cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) cells, and accurately label mature red blood cells in the tumor microenvironment. In orthotopic transplanted pancreatic cancer models, the fluorescence intensity of GFNPs in tumors showed a positive correlation with the cycle size of tumor development. The differential spatial distribution of GFNPs in three typical clinical pancreatic cancer samples demonstrated their diagnostic potential. To mediate the excellent targeting properties of GFNPs, we synthesized a series of nanomedicines using popular chemotherapeutic drugs, in which complex of GFNPs and gemcitabine (GFNPs-GEM) possessed stability in vivo and exhibited effective reduction of tumor volume and fewer side effects. Conclusion GFNPs with multiple targeting tumor microenvironments in pancreatic cancer possess diagnostic efficiency and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Huang
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Zheng
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Nie
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Wang
- International Joint Research Center of Human-Machine Intelligent Collaborative for Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hainan Province, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengfeng Mo
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Navy Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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3
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Minaei E, Ranson M, Aghmesheh M, Sluyter R, Vine KL. Enhancing pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: Leveraging localized delivery strategies through the use of implantable devices and scaffolds. J Control Release 2024; 373:145-160. [PMID: 38996923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains the predominant type of upper gastrointestinal tract cancer, associated with heightened morbidity and a survival rate below 12%. While immunotherapy has brought about transformative changes in the standards of care for most solid tumors, its application in PC is hindered by the ''cold tumor'' microenvironment, marked by the presence of immunosuppressive cells. Modest response rates in PC are attributed, in part to, the fibrotic stroma that obstructs the delivery of systemic immunotherapy. Furthermore, the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (iRAEs) often necessitates the use of sub-therapeutic doses or treatment discontinuation. In the pursuit of innovative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for PC, implantable drug delivery devices and scaffolds emerge as promising strategies. These technologies offer the potential for sustained drug delivery directly to the tumor site, overcoming stromal barriers, immunosuppression, T cell exclusion, immunotherapy resistance, optimizing drug dosage, and mitigating systemic toxicity. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common and aggressive form of PC, accompanied by a critical analysis of the challenges the microenvironment presents to the development of successful combinational immunotherapy approaches. Despite efforts, these approaches have thus far fallen short in enhancing treatment outcomes for PDAC. The review will subsequently delve into the imperative need for refining delivery strategies, providing an examination of past and ongoing studies in the field of localized immunotherapy for PDAC. Addressing these issues will lay the groundwork for the development of effective new therapies, thereby enhancing treatment response, patient survival, and overall quality of life for individuals diagnosed with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Minaei
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - M Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - M Aghmesheh
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Bright Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Sluyter
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - K L Vine
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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4
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He D, Bai R, Chen N, Cui J. Immune status and combined immunotherapy progression in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS)-mutant tumors. Chin J Cancer Res 2024; 36:421-441. [PMID: 39246706 PMCID: PMC11377883 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2024.04.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most frequently mutated oncogene, occurring in various tumor types. Despite extensive efforts over the past 40 years to develop inhibitors targeting KRAS mutations, resistance to these inhibitors has eventually emerged. A more precise understanding of KRAS mutations and the mechanism of resistance development is essential for creating novel inhibitors that target specifically KRAS mutations and can delay or overcome resistance. Immunotherapy has developed rapidly in recent years, and in-depth dissection of the tumor immune microenvironment has led researchers to shift their focus to patients with KRAS mutations, finding that immune factors play an essential role in KRAS-mutant (KRAS-Mut) tumor therapy and targeted drug resistance. Breakthroughs and transitions from targeted therapy to immunotherapy have provided new hope for treating refractory patients. Here, we reviewed KRAS mutation-targeted treatment strategies and resistance issues, focusing on our in-depth exploration of the specific immune status of patients with KRAS mutations and the impact of body immunity following KRAS inhibition. We aimed to guide innovative approaches combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapy, review advances in preclinical and clinical stages, and discuss challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng He
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Rilan Bai
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Naifei Chen
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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Wang Y, Wang H, Shi T, Song X, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Che K, Luo Y, Yu L, Liu B, Wei J. Immunotherapies targeting the oncogenic fusion gene CLDN18-ARHGAP in gastric cancer. EMBO Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s44321-024-00120-3. [PMID: 39164472 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The CLDN18-ARHGAP fusion gene is an oncogenic driver newly discovered in gastric cancer. It was detected in 9% (8/87) of gastric cancer patients in our center. An immunogenic peptide specifically targeting CLDN18-ARHGAP fusion gene was generated to induce neoantigen-reactive T cells, which was proved to have specific and robust anti-tumor capacity both in in vitro coculture models and in vivo xenograft gastric cancer models. Apart from the immunogenic potential, CLDN18-ARHGAP fusion gene was also found to contribute to immune suppression by inducing a regulatory T (Treg) cell-enriched microenvironment. Mechanistically, gastric cancer cells with CLDN18-ARHGAP fusion activate PI3K/AKT-mTOR-FAS signaling, which enhances free fatty acid production of gastric cancer cells to favor the survival of Treg cells. Furthermore, PI3K inhibition could effectively reverse Treg cells upregulation to enhance anti-tumor cytotoxicity of neoantigen-reactive T cells in vitro and reduce tumor growth in the xenograft gastric cancer model. Our study identified the CLDN18-ARHGAP fusion gene as a critical source of immunogenic neoepitopes, a key regulator of the tumor immune microenvironment, and immunotherapeutic applications specific to this oncogenic fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanbing Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Shi
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueru Song
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Keying Che
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuting Luo
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Yu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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6
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Vitorakis N, Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Adamopoulos C, Papavassiliou AG. Precision Targeting Strategies in Pancreatic Cancer: The Role of Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2876. [PMID: 39199647 PMCID: PMC11352254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer demonstrates an ever-increasing incidence over the last years and represents one of the top causes of cancer-associated mortality. Cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) interact with cancer cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors to preserve cancer cells' metabolism, inhibit drug delivery, enhance immune suppression mechanisms and finally develop resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. New strategies target TME genetic alterations and specific pathways in cell populations of the TME. Complex molecular interactions develop between PDAC cells and TME cell populations including cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, pancreatic stellate cells, tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated neutrophils, and regulatory T cells. In the present review, we aim to fully explore the molecular landscape of the pancreatic cancer TME cell populations and discuss current TME targeting strategies to provide thoughts for further research and preclinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Vitorakis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios N Gargalionis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, 'Attikon' University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Adamopoulos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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7
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Su D, Wang R, Chen G, Ding C, Liu Y, Tao J, Wang Y, Qiu J, Luo W, Weng G, Yang G, Zhang T. FBXO32 Stimulates Protein Synthesis to Drive Pancreatic Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:2607-2625. [PMID: 38775804 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-3638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, primarily due to its rapid progression. The current treatment options for PDAC are limited, and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for PDAC progression is required to identify improved therapeutic strategies. In this study, we identified FBXO32 as an oncogenic driver in PDAC. FBXO32 was aberrantly upregulated in PDAC, and high FBXO32 expression was significantly associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with PDAC. FRG1 deficiency promoted FBXO32 upregulation in PDAC. FBXO32 promoted cell migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, FBXO32 directly interacted with eEF1A1 and promoted its polyubiquitination at the K273 site, leading to enhanced activity of eEF1A1 and increased protein synthesis in PDAC cells. Moreover, FBXO32-catalyzed eEF1A1 ubiquitination boosted the translation of ITGB5 mRNA and activated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling, thereby facilitating focal adhesion assembly and driving PDAC progression. Importantly, interfering with the FBXO32-eEF1A1 axis or pharmaceutical inhibition of FAK by defactinib, an FDA-approved FAK inhibitor, substantially inhibited PDAC growth and metastasis driven by aberrantly activated FBXO32-eEF1A1 signaling. Overall, this study uncovers a mechanism by which PDAC cells rely on FBXO32-mediated eEF1A1 activation to drive progression and metastasis. FBXO32 may serve as a promising biomarker for selecting eligible patients with PDAC for treatment with defactinib. Significance: FBXO32 upregulation in pancreatic cancer induced by FRG1 deficiency increases eEF1A1 activity to promote ITGB5 translation and stimulate FAK signaling, driving cancer progression and sensitizing tumors to the FAK inhibitor defactinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Su
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ruobing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chen Ding
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yueze Liu
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxin Tao
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guihu Weng
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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8
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Zhou Y, Ma Y, Sheng J, Ma Y, Ding J, Zhou W. Breaking Down Barriers in Drug Delivery by Stromal Remodeling Approaches in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3764-3776. [PMID: 39049481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a formidable challenge in oncology due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. The dense stroma surrounding pancreatic tumors not only provides structural support but also presents a formidable barrier to effective therapy, hindering drug penetration and immune cell infiltration. This review delves into the intricate interplay between stromal components and cancer cells, highlighting their impact on treatment resistance and prognosis. Strategies for stromal remodeling, including modulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) activation states, and targeting extracellular matrix (ECM) components, are examined for their potential to enhance drug penetration and improve therapeutic efficacy. Integration of stromal remodeling with conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, is discussed along with the emerging field of intelligent nanosystems for targeted drug delivery. This comprehensive overview underscores the importance of stromal remodeling in pancreatic cancer treatment and offers insights into promising avenues for future research and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yunxiao Ma
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jianwei Sheng
- China Quality Mark Certification (Shandong) Co., LTD, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Yiran Ma
- Hunan Bainianyiren Chinese Traditional Medical Institute Co., LTD, Changsha, Hunan 410221, China
| | - Jinsong Ding
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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Kolokotronis T, Majchrzak-Stiller B, Buchholz M, Mense V, Strotmann J, Peters I, Skrzypczyk L, Liffers ST, Menkene LM, Wagner M, Glanemann M, Betsou F, Ammerlaan W, Schmidt R, Schröder C, Uhl W, Braumann C, Höhn P. Differential miRNA and Protein Expression Reveals miR-1285, Its Targets TGM2 and CDH-1, as Well as CD166 and S100A13 as Potential New Biomarkers in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2726. [PMID: 39123454 PMCID: PMC11311671 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Early detection of PDAC remains challenging due to the lack of early symptoms and the absence of reliable biomarkers. The aim of the present project was to identify miRNA and proteomics signatures discriminating PDAC patients with DM from nondiabetic PDAC patients. Proteomics analysis and miRNA array were used for protein and miRNA screening. We used Western blotting and Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for protein and miRNA validation. Comparisons between experimental groups with normal distributions were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test, and pairwise tests were performed using t-tests. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Protein clusters of differentiation 166 (CD166), glycoprotein CD63 (CD63), S100 calcium-binding protein A13 (S100A13), and tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β) were detected in the proteomics screening. The miRNA assay revealed a differential miRNA 1285 regulation. Previously described target proteins of miR-1285 cadherin-1 (CDH-1), cellular Jun (c-Jun), p53, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (Smad4), human transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) and yes-associated protein (YAP), were validated via Western blotting. miR-1285-3p was successfully validated as differentially regulated in PDAC + DM via qRT-PCR. Overall, our data suggest miRNA1285-3p, TGM2, CDH-1, CD166, and S100A13 as potential meaningful biomarker candidates to characterize patients with PDAC + DM. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD053169.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Kolokotronis
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
- Institute of Pathology and Surgical Clinic, University Hospital of Saarland, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (L.M.M.); (M.W.)
| | - Britta Majchrzak-Stiller
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
| | - Marie Buchholz
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
| | - Vanessa Mense
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
| | - Johanna Strotmann
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
| | - Ilka Peters
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
| | - Lea Skrzypczyk
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
| | - Sven-Thorsten Liffers
- University Hospital Essen, Bridging Institute for Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Tumor Center Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Louise Massia Menkene
- Institute of Pathology and Surgical Clinic, University Hospital of Saarland, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (L.M.M.); (M.W.)
| | - Mathias Wagner
- Institute of Pathology and Surgical Clinic, University Hospital of Saarland, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (L.M.M.); (M.W.)
| | - Matthias Glanemann
- Institute of Pathology and Surgical Clinic, University Hospital of Saarland, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (L.M.M.); (M.W.)
| | - Fay Betsou
- CRBIP, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cite, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Wim Ammerlaan
- IBBL (Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg), 1, Rue Louis Rech, L-3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg;
| | - Ronny Schmidt
- Sciomics GmbH, Karl-Landsteiner Str. 6, 69151 Heidelberg, Germany; (R.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Christoph Schröder
- Sciomics GmbH, Karl-Landsteiner Str. 6, 69151 Heidelberg, Germany; (R.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Waldemar Uhl
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
| | - Chris Braumann
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, EvK Gelsenkirchen, University Duisburg-Essen, Munckelstr. 27, 45879 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | - Philipp Höhn
- St. Josef Hospital Bochum, Surgical Clinic, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany; (B.M.-S.); (M.B.); (V.M.); (J.S.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (W.U.); (C.B.); (P.H.)
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10
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Li J, Moresco P, Fearon DT. Intratumoral NKT cell accumulation promotes antitumor immunity in pancreatic cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2403917121. [PMID: 38980903 PMCID: PMC11260137 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403917121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a potentially lethal disease lacking effective treatments. Its immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) allows it to evade host immunosurveillance and limits response to immunotherapy. Here, using the mouse KRT19-deficient (sgKRT19-edited) PDA model, we find that intratumoral accumulation of natural killer T (NKT) cells is required to establish an immunologically active TME. Mechanistically, intratumoral NKT cells facilitate type I interferon (IFN) production to initiate an antitumor adaptive immune response, and orchestrate the intratumoral infiltration of T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. At the molecular level, NKT cells promote the production of type I IFN through the interaction of their CD40L with CD40 on myeloid cells. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of these observations, we find that administration of folinic acid to mice bearing PDA increases NKT cells in the TME and improves their response to anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. In conclusion, NKT cells have an essential role in the immune response to mouse PDA and are potential targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun Li
- Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY11724
| | - Philip Moresco
- Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY11724
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY11794
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY11794
| | - Douglas T. Fearon
- Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY11724
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
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11
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Schlaepfer DD, Ojalill M, Stupack DG. Focal adhesion kinase signaling - tumor vulnerabilities and clinical opportunities. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261723. [PMID: 39034922 PMCID: PMC11298715 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK; encoded by PTK2) was discovered over 30 years ago as a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is localized to cell adhesion sites, where it is activated by integrin receptor binding to extracellular matrix proteins. FAK is ubiquitously expressed and functions as a signaling scaffold for a variety of proteins at adhesions and in the cell cytoplasm, and with transcription factors in the nucleus. FAK expression and intrinsic activity are essential for mouse development, with molecular connections to cell motility, cell survival and gene expression. Notably, elevated FAK tyrosine phosphorylation is common in tumors, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers, where it is associated with decreased survival. Small molecule and orally available FAK inhibitors show on-target inhibition in tumor and stromal cells with effects on chemotherapy resistance, stromal fibrosis and tumor microenvironment immune function. Herein, we discuss recent insights regarding mechanisms of FAK activation and signaling, its roles as a cytoplasmic and nuclear scaffold, and the tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic effects of FAK inhibitors. We also discuss results from ongoing and advanced clinical trials targeting FAK in low- and high-grade serous ovarian cancers, where FAK acts as a master regulator of drug resistance. Although FAK is not known to be mutationally activated, preventing FAK activity has revealed multiple tumor vulnerabilities that support expanding clinical combinatorial targeting possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D. Schlaepfer
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
| | - Marjaana Ojalill
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
| | - Dwayne G. Stupack
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
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12
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Pereira BA, Ritchie S, Chambers CR, Gordon KA, Magenau A, Murphy KJ, Nobis M, Tyma VM, Liew YF, Lucas MC, Naeini MM, Barkauskas DS, Chacon-Fajardo D, Howell AE, Parker AL, Warren SC, Reed DA, Lee V, Metcalf XL, Lee YK, O’Regan LP, Zhu J, Trpceski M, Fontaine ARM, Stoehr J, Rouet R, Lin X, Chitty JL, Porazinski S, Wu SZ, Filipe EC, Cadell AL, Holliday H, Yang J, Papanicolaou M, Lyons RJ, Zaratzian A, Tayao M, Da Silva A, Vennin C, Yin J, Dew AB, McMillan PJ, Goldstein LD, Deveson IW, Croucher DR, Samuel MS, Sim HW, Batten M, Chantrill L, Grimmond SM, Gill AJ, Samra J, Jeffry Evans TR, Sasaki T, Phan TG, Swarbrick A, Sansom OJ, Morton JP, Pajic M, Parker BL, Herrmann D, Cox TR, Timpson P. Temporally resolved proteomics identifies nidogen-2 as a cotarget in pancreatic cancer that modulates fibrosis and therapy response. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl1197. [PMID: 38959305 PMCID: PMC11221519 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by increasing fibrosis, which can enhance tumor progression and spread. Here, we undertook an unbiased temporal assessment of the matrisome of the highly metastatic KPC (Pdx1-Cre, LSL-KrasG12D/+, LSL-Trp53R172H/+) and poorly metastatic KPflC (Pdx1-Cre, LSL-KrasG12D/+, Trp53fl/+) genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic cancer using mass spectrometry proteomics. Our assessment at early-, mid-, and late-stage disease reveals an increased abundance of nidogen-2 (NID2) in the KPC model compared to KPflC, with further validation showing that NID2 is primarily expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Using biomechanical assessments, second harmonic generation imaging, and birefringence analysis, we show that NID2 reduction by CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) in CAFs reduces stiffness and matrix remodeling in three-dimensional models, leading to impaired cancer cell invasion. Intravital imaging revealed improved vascular patency in live NID2-depleted tumors, with enhanced response to gemcitabine/Abraxane. In orthotopic models, NID2 CRISPRi tumors had less liver metastasis and increased survival, highlighting NID2 as a potential PDAC cotarget.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke A. Pereira
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shona Ritchie
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cecilia R. Chambers
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katie A. Gordon
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Astrid Magenau
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kendelle J. Murphy
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Max Nobis
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Intravital Imaging Expertise Center, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Victoria M. Tyma
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ying Fei Liew
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Morghan C. Lucas
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marjan M. Naeini
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Genomics and Inherited Disease Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah S. Barkauskas
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- ACRF INCITe Intravital Imaging Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Diego Chacon-Fajardo
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anna E. Howell
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amelia L. Parker
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean C. Warren
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel A. Reed
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Victoria Lee
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xanthe L. Metcalf
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Young Kyung Lee
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke P. O’Regan
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessie Zhu
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Trpceski
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela R. M. Fontaine
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- ACRF INCITe Intravital Imaging Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janett Stoehr
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Romain Rouet
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Immune Biotherapies Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xufeng Lin
- Data Science Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica L. Chitty
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean Porazinski
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sunny Z. Wu
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elysse C. Filipe
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antonia L. Cadell
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Holly Holliday
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Yang
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Papanicolaou
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ruth J. Lyons
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anaiis Zaratzian
- Histopathology Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Tayao
- Histopathology Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Da Silva
- Histopathology Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Vennin
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julia Yin
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alysha B. Dew
- Centre for Advanced Histology & Microscopy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J. McMillan
- Centre for Advanced Histology & Microscopy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leonard D. Goldstein
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Data Science Platform, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ira W. Deveson
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Genomics and Inherited Disease Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David R. Croucher
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael S. Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance of SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hao-Wen Sim
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marcel Batten
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lorraine Chantrill
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean M. Grimmond
- Centre for Cancer Research and Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J. Gill
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jaswinder Samra
- Department of Surgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas R. Jeffry Evans
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Tri G. Phan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Immunology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Swarbrick
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jennifer P. Morton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Marina Pajic
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Oncology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin L. Parker
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Pan X, Han T, Zhao Z, Wang X, Fang X. Emerging Nanotechnology in Preclinical Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy: Driving Towards Clinical Applications. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:6619-6641. [PMID: 38975321 PMCID: PMC11227336 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s466459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The high malignant degree and poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) pose severe challenges to the basic research and clinical translation of next-generation therapies. The rise of immunotherapy has improved the treatment of a variety of solid tumors, while the application in PC is highly restricted by the challenge of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The latest progress of nanotechnology as drug delivery platform and immune adjuvant has improved drug delivery in a variety of disease backgrounds and enhanced tumor therapy based on immunotherapy. Based on the immune loop of PC and the status quo of clinical immunotherapy of tumors, this article discussed and critically analyzed the key transformation difficulties of immunotherapy adaptation to the treatment of PC, and then proposed the rational design strategies of new nanocarriers for drug delivery and immune regulation, especially the design of combined immunotherapy. This review also put forward prospective views on future research directions, so as to provide information for the new means of clinical treatment of PC combined with the next generation of nanotechnology and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Pan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zixuan Zhao
- The Translational Research Institute for Neurological Disorders of Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241000, People’s Republic of China
- The Institute of Brain Science, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaosan Fang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241000, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Liu Y, Okesola BO, Osuna de la Peña D, Li W, Lin ML, Trabulo S, Tatari M, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Wang W, Knight M, Loessner D, Heeschen C, Mata A, Pearce OMT. A Self-Assembled 3D Model Demonstrates How Stiffness Educates Tumor Cell Phenotypes and Therapy Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301941. [PMID: 38471128 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense and stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) associated with tumor progression and therapy resistance. To further the understanding of how stiffening of the tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to aggressiveness, a three-dimensional (3D) self-assembling hydrogel disease model is developed based on peptide amphiphiles (PAs, PA-E3Y) designed to tailor stiffness. The model displays nanofibrous architectures reminiscent of native TME and enables the study of the invasive behavior of PDAC cells. Enhanced tuneability of stiffness is demonstrated by interacting thermally annealed aqueous solutions of PA-E3Y (PA-E3Yh) with divalent cations to create hydrogels with mechanical properties and ultrastructure similar to native tumor ECM. It is shown that stiffening of PA-E3Yh hydrogels to levels found in PDAC induces ECM deposition, promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enriches CD133+/CXCR4+ cancer stem cells (CSCs), and subsequently enhances drug resistance. The findings reveal how a stiff 3D environment renders PDAC cells more aggressive and therefore more faithfully recapitulates in vivo tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Babatunde O Okesola
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - David Osuna de la Peña
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Weiqi Li
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Meng-Lay Lin
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Sara Trabulo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Marianthi Tatari
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
- ARC-Net, Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
- ARC-Net, Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Wen Wang
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Martin Knight
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), 10060, Italy
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Oliver M T Pearce
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
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15
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Ding LY, Chang CJ, Chen SY, Chen KL, Li YS, Wu YC, Hsu TY, Ying HY, Wu HY, Hughes MW, Wang CY, Chang CH, Tang MJ, Chuang WJ, Shan YS, Chang CJ, Huang PH. Stromal Rigidity Stress Accelerates Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia Progression and Chromosomal Instability via Nuclear Protein Tyrosine Kinase 2 Localization. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:1346-1373. [PMID: 38631549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Because the mechanotransduction by stromal stiffness stimulates the rupture and repair of the nuclear envelope in pancreatic progenitor cells, accumulated genomic aberrations are under selection in the tumor microenvironment. Analysis of cell growth, micronuclei, and phosphorylated Ser-139 residue of the histone variant H2AX (γH2AX) foci linked to mechanotransduction pressure in vivo during serial orthotopic passages of mouse KrasLSL-G12D/+;Trp53flox/flox;Pdx1-Cre (KPC) cancer cells in the tumor and in migrating through the size-restricted 3-μm micropores. To search for pancreatic cancer cell-of-origin, analysis of single-cell data sets revealed that the extracellular matrix shaped an alternate route of acinar-ductal transdifferentiation of acinar cells into topoisomerase II α (TOP2A)-overexpressing cancer cells and derived subclusters with copy number amplifications in MYC-PTK2 (protein tyrosine kinase 2) locus and PIK3CA. High-PTK2 expression is associated with 171 differentially methylated CpG loci, 319 differentially expressed genes, and poor overall survival in The Cancer Genome Atlas-Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma cohort. Abolished RGD-integrin signaling by disintegrin KG blocked the PTK2 phosphorylation, increased cancer apoptosis, decreased vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (VAV1) expression, and prolonged overall survival in the KPC mice. Reduction of α-smooth muscle actin deposition in the CD248 knockout KPC mice remodeled the tissue stroma and down-regulated TOP2A expression in the epithelium. In summary, stromal stiffness induced the onset of cancer cells-of-origin by ectopic TOP2A expression, and the genomic amplification of MYC-PTK2 locus via alternative transdifferentiation of pancreatic progenitor cells is the vulnerability useful for disintegrin KG treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yun Ding
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Ying Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Lin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Shan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chieh Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yi Hsu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Ying
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Wu
- Instrumentation Center, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael W Hughes
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yih Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Han Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jer Tang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Woei-Jer Chuang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Center of Cell Therapy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Shen Shan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Center of Cell Therapy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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16
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Belle JI, Sen D, Baer JM, Liu X, Lander VE, Ye J, Sells BE, Knolhoff BL, Faiz A, Kang LI, Qian G, Fields RC, Ding L, Kim H, Provenzano PP, Stewart SA, DeNardo DG. Senescence Defines a Distinct Subset of Myofibroblasts That Orchestrates Immunosuppression in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1324-1355. [PMID: 38683144 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) therapeutic resistance is largely attributed to a unique tumor microenvironment embedded with an abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Distinct CAF populations were recently identified, but the phenotypic drivers and specific impact of CAF heterogeneity remain unclear. In this study, we identify a subpopulation of senescent myofibroblastic CAFs (SenCAF) in mouse and human PDAC. These SenCAFs are a phenotypically distinct subset of myofibroblastic CAFs that localize near tumor ducts and accumulate with PDAC progression. To assess the impact of endogenous SenCAFs in PDAC, we used an LSL-KRASG12D;p53flox;p48-CRE;INK-ATTAC (KPPC-IA) mouse model of spontaneous PDAC with inducible senescent cell depletion. Depletion of senescent stromal cells in genetic and pharmacologic PDAC models relieved immune suppression by macrophages, delayed tumor progression, and increased responsiveness to chemotherapy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SenCAFs promote PDAC progression and immune cell dysfunction. Significance: CAF heterogeneity in PDAC remains poorly understood. In this study, we identify a novel subpopulation of senescent CAFs that promotes PDAC progression and immunosuppression. Targeting CAF senescence in combination therapies could increase tumor vulnerability to chemo or immunotherapy. See related article by Ye et al., p. 1302.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad I Belle
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Devashish Sen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - John M Baer
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Xiuting Liu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Varintra E Lander
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jiayu Ye
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Blake E Sells
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Brett L Knolhoff
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ahmad Faiz
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Liang-I Kang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Guhan Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ryan C Fields
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hyun Kim
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Paolo P Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sheila A Stewart
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David G DeNardo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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17
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Peng Z, Yi Y, Nie Y, Wang T, Tang J, Hong S, Liu Y, Huang W, Sun S, Tan H, Wu M. Softening the tumor matrix through cholesterol depletion breaks the physical barrier for enhanced antitumor therapy. J Control Release 2024; 371:29-42. [PMID: 38763389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The tumor develops defense tactics, including conversing the mechanical characteristics of tumor cells and their surrounding environment. A recent study reported that cholesterol depletion stiffens tumor cells, which could enhance adaptive T-cell immunotherapy. However, it remains unclear whether reducing the cholesterol in tumor cells contributes to re-educating the stiff tumor matrix, which serves as a physical barrier against drug penetration. Herein, we found that depleting cholesterol from tumor cells can demolish the intratumor physical barrier by disrupting the mechanical signal transduction between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix through the destruction of lipid rafts. This disruption allows nanoparticles (H/S@hNP) to penetrate deeply, resulting in improved photodynamic treatment. Our research also indicates that cholesterol depletion can inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and repolarize tumor-associated macrophages from M2 to M1, demonstrating the essential role of cholesterol in tumor progression. Overall, this study reveals that a cholesterol-depleted, softened tumor matrix reduces the difficulty of drug penetration, leading to enhanced antitumor therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangwen Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yunfei Yi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yichu Nie
- Department of Translational Medicine Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jia Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Sheng Hong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yuanqi Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wenxin Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Shengjie Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Hui Tan
- Center for Child Care and Mental Health (CCCMH), Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518038, China.
| | - Meiying Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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18
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Zhou H, Wang W, Cai Z, Jia ZY, Li YY, He W, Li C, Zhang BL. Injectable hybrid hydrogels enable enhanced combination chemotherapy and roused anti-tumor immunity in the synergistic treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:353. [PMID: 38902759 PMCID: PMC11191229 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy have shown no significant outcome for unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Multi-drug combination therapy has become a consensus in clinical trials to explore how to arouse anti-tumor immunity and meanwhile overcome the poorly tumoricidal effect and the stroma barrier that greatly hinders drug penetration. To address this challenge, a comprehensive strategy is proposed to fully utilize both the ferroptotic vulnerability of PDAC to potently irritate anti-tumor immunity and the desmoplasia-associated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to wholly improve the immunosuppressive microenvironment via sustained release of drugs in an injectable hydrogel for increasing drug penetration in tumor location and averting systematic toxicity. The injectable hydrogel ED-M@CS/MC is hybridized with micelles loaded with erastin that exclusively induces ferroptosis and a FAK inhibitor defactinib for inhibiting stroma formation, and achieves sustained release of the drugs for up to 12 days. With only a single intratumoral injection, the combination treatment with erastin and defactinib produces further anti-tumor performance both in xenograft and KrasG12D-engineered primary PDAC mice and synergistically promotes the infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and the reduction of type II macrophages. The findings may provide a novel promising strategy for the clinical treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zedong Cai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhou-Yan Jia
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu-Yao Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wei He
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Chen Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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19
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Zhu Y, Xiang M, Brulois KF, Lazarus NH, Pan J, Butcher EC. Endothelial cell Notch signaling programs cancer-associated fibroblasts to promote tumor immune evasion. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4538031. [PMID: 38947054 PMCID: PMC11213189 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4538031/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Stromal cells within the tumor tissue promote immune evasion as a critical strategy for cancer development and progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we explore the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in the regulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Using mouse pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) models, we found that canonical Notch signaling in endothelial cells suppresses the recruitment of antitumor T cells and promotes tumor progression by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Abrogation of endothelial Notch signaling modulates EC-derived angiocrine factors to enhance the pro-inflammatory activities of CAFs, which drive CXCL9/10-CXCR3-mediated T cell recruitment to inhibit tumor growth. Additionally, abrogation of endothelial Notch unleashed interferon gamma responses in the tumor microenvironment, upregulated PDL1 expression on tumor cells, and sensitized PDAC to PD1-based immunotherapy. Collectively, these data uncover a pivotal role of endothelial cells in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment, and suggest the potential of targeting EC-CAF interaction as a novel therapeutic modality to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhu
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Menglan Xiang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kevin F. Brulois
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nicole H. Lazarus
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Junliang Pan
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Eugene C. Butcher
- Laboratory of Immunology and Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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20
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Fang T, Chen G. Non-viral vector-based genome editing for cancer immunotherapy. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3068-3085. [PMID: 38716572 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00286e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite the exciting promise of cancer immunotherapy in the clinic, immune checkpoint blockade therapy and T cell-based therapies are often associated with low response rates, intrinsic and adaptive immune resistance, and systemic side effects. CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing appears to be an effective strategy to overcome these unmet clinical needs. As a safer delivery platform for the CRISPR-Cas system, non-viral nanoformulations have been recently explored to target tumor cells and immune cells, aiming to improve cancer immunotherapy on a gene level. In this review, we summarized the efforts of non-viral vector-based CRISPR-Cas-mediated genome editing in tumor cells and immune cells for cancer immunotherapy. Their design rationale and specific applications were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxu Fang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
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21
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Beč A, Persoons L, Daelemans D, Starčević K, Vianello R, Hranjec M. Biological activity and computational analysis of novel acrylonitrile derived benzazoles as potent antiproliferative agents for pancreatic adenocarcinoma with antioxidative properties. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107326. [PMID: 38653153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Continuing our research into the anticancer properties of acrylonitriles, we present a study involving the design, synthesis, computational analysis, and biological assessment of novel acrylonitriles derived from methoxy, hydroxy, and N-substituted benzazole. Our aim was to examine how varying the number of methoxy and hydroxy groups, as well as the N-substituents on the benzimidazole core, influences their biological activity. The newly synthesized acrylonitriles exhibited strong and selective antiproliferative effects against the Capan-1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 1.2 to 5.3 μM. Consequently, these compounds were further evaluated in three other pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines, while their impact on normal PBMC cells was also investigated to determine selectivity. Among these compounds, the monohydroxy-substituted benzimidazole derivative 27 emerged with the most profound and broad-spectrum anticancer antiproliferative activity being emerged as a promising lead candidate. Moreover, a majority of the acrylonitriles in this series exhibited significant antioxidative activity, surpassing that of the reference molecule BHT, as demonstrated by the FRAP assay (ranging from 3200 to 5235 mmolFe2+/mmolC). Computational analysis highlighted the prevalence of electron ionization in conferring antioxidant properties, with computed ionization energies correlating well with observed activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Beč
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Leentje Persoons
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Daelemans
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristina Starčević
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Vianello
- Laboratory for the Computational Design and Synthesis of Functional Materials, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marijana Hranjec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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22
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Yang M, Xiang H, Luo G. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for cancer therapy: FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116246. [PMID: 38685282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, plays an essential role in regulating cell proliferation, migration and invasion through both kinase-dependent enzymatic function and kinase-independent scaffolding function. The overexpression and activation of FAK is commonly observed in various cancers and some drug-resistant settings. Therefore, targeted disruption of FAK has been identified as an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. To date, numerous structurally diverse inhibitors targeting distinct domains of FAK have been developed, encompassing kinase domain inhibitors, FERM domain inhibitors, and FAT domain inhibitors, with several FAK inhibitors advanced to clinical trials. Moreover, given the critical role of FAK scaffolding function in signal transduction, FAK-targeted PROTACs have also been developed. Although no current FAK-targeted therapeutics have been approved for the market, the combination of FAK inhibitors with other anticancer drugs has shown considerable promise in the clinic. This review provides an overview of current drug discovery strategies targeting FAK, including the development of FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in both literature and patent applications. Accordingly, their design and optimization process, mechanisms of action and biological activities are discussed to offer insights into future directions of FAK-targeting drug discovery in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
| | - Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
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23
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Qin Q, Yu R, Eriksson JE, Tsai HI, Zhu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216859. [PMID: 38615928 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid organ malignancy with a high mortality rate. Statistics indicate that its incidence has been increasing as well as the associated deaths. Most patients with PDAC show poor response to therapies making the clinical management of this cancer difficult. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the development of resistance to therapy in PDAC cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most prevalent stromal cells in the TME, promote a desmoplastic response, produce extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines, and directly influence the biological behavior of cancer cells. These multifaceted effects make it difficult to eradicate tumor cells from the body. As a result, CAF-targeting synergistic therapeutic strategies have gained increasing attention in recent years. However, due to the substantial heterogeneity in CAF origin, definition, and function, as well as high plasticity, majority of the available CAF-targeting therapeutic approaches are not effective, and in some cases, they exacerbate disease progression. This review primarily elucidates on the effect of CAFs on therapeutic efficiency of various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Strategies for CAF targeting therapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qin
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - John E Eriksson
- Cell Biology, Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FI-20520 Finland
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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24
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Ye Y, Zeng S, Hu X. Unveiling the hidden role of disulfidptosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma: a prognostic signature for personalized treatment. Apoptosis 2024; 29:693-708. [PMID: 38296888 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01933-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The role of disulfidptosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains unknown. This study investigated disulfidptosis-related biomarkers for KIRC prognosis prediction and individualized treatment. KIRC patients were clustered by disulfidptosis profiles. Differential expression analysis, survival models, and machine learning were used to construct the disulfidptosis-related prognostic signature (DRPS). Characterizations of the tumor immune microenvironment, genetic drivers, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy response were explored according to the DRPS risk stratification. Markers included in the signature were validated using single-cell, spatial transcriptomics, quantitative RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry. In the discovery cohort, we unveiled two clusters of KIRC patients that differed significantly in disulfidptosis regulator expressions and overall survival (OS). After multiple feature selection steps, a DRPS prognostic model with four features (CHAC1, COL7A1, FOXM1, SHOX2) was constructed and validated. Combined with clinical factors, the model demonstrated robust performance in the discovery and external validation cohorts (5-year AUC = 0.793 and 0.846, respectively). KIRC patients with high-risk scores are characterized by inferior OS, less tumor purity, and increased infiltrations of fibroblasts, M1 macrophages, and B cells. High-risk patients also have higher frequencies of BAP1 and AHNAK2 mutation. Besides, the correlation between the DRPS score and the chemotherapy-response signature indicated the potential effect of Gefitinib for high-risk patients. Among the signature genes, FOXM1 is highly expressed in cycling tumor cells and exhibits spatial aggregation, while others are expressed sparsely within tumor samples. The DRPS model enables improved clinical management and personalized KIRC therapy. The identified biomarkers and immune characteristics offer new mechanistic insight into disulfidptosis in KIRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ye
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, NO.8 GongTi South Road, Beijing, 100020, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Song Zeng
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, NO.8 GongTi South Road, Beijing, 100020, China
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, NO.8 GongTi South Road, Beijing, 100020, China.
- Institute of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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25
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Curcio C, Mucciolo G, Roux C, Brugiapaglia S, Scagliotti A, Guadagnin G, Conti L, Longo D, Grosso D, Papotti MG, Hirsch E, Cappello P, Varner JA, Novelli F. PI3Kγ inhibition combined with DNA vaccination unleashes a B-cell-dependent antitumor immunity that hampers pancreatic cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:157. [PMID: 38824552 PMCID: PMC11143614 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide-3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) plays a critical role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) by driving the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) into tumor tissues, leading to tumor growth and metastasis. MDSC also impair the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this study we verify the hypothesis that MDSC targeting, via PI3Kγ inhibition, synergizes with α-enolase (ENO1) DNA vaccination in counteracting tumor growth.Mice that received ENO1 vaccination followed by PI3Kγ inhibition had significantly smaller tumors compared to those treated with ENO1 alone or the control group, and correlated with i) increased circulating anti-ENO1 specific IgG and IFNγ secretion by T cells, ii) increased tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells and M1-like macrophages, as well as up-modulation of T cell activation and M1-like related transcripts, iii) decreased infiltration of Treg FoxP3+ T cells, endothelial cells and pericytes, and down-modulation of the stromal compartment and T cell exhaustion gene transcription, iv) reduction of mature and neo-formed vessels, v) increased follicular helper T cell activation and vi) increased "antigen spreading", as many other tumor-associated antigens were recognized by IgG2c "cytotoxic" antibodies. PDA mouse models genetically devoid of PI3Kγ showed an increased survival and a pattern of transcripts in the tumor area similar to that of pharmacologically-inhibited PI3Kγ-proficient mice. Notably, tumor reduction was abrogated in ENO1 + PI3Kγ inhibition-treated mice in which B cells were depleted.These data highlight a novel role of PI3Kγ in B cell-dependent immunity, suggesting that PI3Kγ depletion strengthens the anti-tumor response elicited by the ENO1 DNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Curcio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mucciolo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Cecilia Roux
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Brugiapaglia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Scagliotti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Guadagnin
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Dario Longo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Turin, Italy
| | - Demis Grosso
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Giulio Papotti
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, AOU Città Della Salute E Della Scienza Di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Judith A Varner
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Piazza Nizza 44Bis, 10126, Turin, Italy.
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
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26
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Gao J, Cheng J, Xie W, Zhang P, Liu X, Wang Z, Zhang B. Prospects of focal adhesion kinase inhibitors as a cancer therapy in preclinical and early phase study. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:639-651. [PMID: 38676368 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2348068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION FAK, a nonreceptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, plays a crucial role in tumor metastasis, drug resistance, tumor stem cell maintenance, and regulation of the tumor microenvironment. FAK has emerged as a promising target for tumor therapy based on both preclinical and clinical data. AREAS COVERED This paper aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying FAK's involvement in tumorigenesis and progression. Encouraging results have emerged from ongoing clinical trials of FAK inhibitors. Additionally, we present an overview of clinical trials for FAK inhibitors, examining their potential as promising treatments. The pertinent studies gathered from databases including PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION Since the first finding in 1990s, targeting FAK has became the focus of interests in many pharmaceutical companies. Through 30 years' discovery, the industry and academy gradually realized the features of FAK target which may not be a driver gene but a solid defense system for the cancer initiation and development. Currently, the ongoing clinical regimens involving FAK inhibition are all the combination strategies in which FAK inhibitors can further strengthen the cancer cell killing effects of other testing agents. The emerging positive signal in clinical trials foresee targeting FAK as class will be an effective mean to fight against cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wanyu Xie
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuebin Liu
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Zaiqi Wang
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
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27
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Lang X, Wang X, Han M, Guo Y. Nanoparticle-Mediated Synergistic Chemoimmunotherapy for Cancer Treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4533-4568. [PMID: 38799699 PMCID: PMC11127654 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s455213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Until now, there has been a lack of effective strategies for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy has high potential in treating several cancers but its efficacy is limited as a monotherapy. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) holds promise to be widely used in cancer treatment. Therefore, identifying their involvement and potential synergy in CIT approaches is decisive. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) are ideal delivery systems because they can simultaneously target immune cells and cancer cells, promoting drug accumulation, and reducing the toxicity of the drug. In this review, we first introduce five current immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blocking (ICB), adoptive cell transfer therapy (ACT), cancer vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy (OVT) and cytokine therapy. Subsequently, the immunomodulatory effects of chemotherapy by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), promoting tumor killer cell infiltration, down-regulating immunosuppressive cells, and inhibiting immune checkpoints have been described. Finally, the NDDSs-mediated collaborative drug delivery systems have been introduced in detail, and the development of NDDSs-mediated CIT nanoparticles has been prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Lang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangtao Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meihua Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifei Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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28
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Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Franco-Barraza J, Luong T, Graves M, de Aquino AM, Steele N, Gardiner JC, Dos Santos SAA, Ogier C, Malloy E, Borghaei L, Martinez E, Zhigarev DI, Tan Y, Lee H, Zhou Y, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Wang H, Andrake M, Dunbrack RL, Campbell K, Cukierman E. Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594354. [PMID: 38798370 PMCID: PMC11118300 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-β pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-β, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.
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29
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Jalil SMA, Henry JC, Cameron AJM. Targets in the Tumour Matrisome to Promote Cancer Therapy Response. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1847. [PMID: 38791926 PMCID: PMC11119821 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of complex fibrillar proteins, proteoglycans, and macromolecules, generated by stromal, immune, and cancer cells. The components and organisation of the matrix evolves as tumours progress to invasive disease and metastasis. In many solid tumours, dense fibrotic ECM has been hypothesised to impede therapy response by limiting drug and immune cell access. Interventions to target individual components of the ECM, collectively termed the matrisome, have, however, revealed complex tumour-suppressor, tumour-promoter, and immune-modulatory functions, which have complicated clinical translation. The degree to which distinct components of the matrisome can dictate tumour phenotypes and response to therapy is the subject of intense study. A primary aim is to identify therapeutic opportunities within the matrisome, which might support a better response to existing therapies. Many matrix signatures have been developed which can predict prognosis, immune cell content, and immunotherapy responses. In this review, we will examine key components of the matrisome which have been associated with advanced tumours and therapy resistance. We have primarily focussed here on targeting matrisome components, rather than specific cell types, although several examples are described where cells of origin can dramatically affect tumour roles for matrix components. As we unravel the complex biochemical, biophysical, and intracellular transduction mechanisms associated with the ECM, numerous therapeutic opportunities will be identified to modify tumour progression and therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angus J. M. Cameron
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (S.M.A.J.); (J.C.H.)
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30
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Hsu SK, Chou CK, Lin IL, Chang WT, Kuo IY, Chiu CC. Deubiquitinating enzymes: potential regulators of the tumor microenvironment and implications for immune evasion. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:259. [PMID: 38715050 PMCID: PMC11075295 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are important forms of posttranslational modification that govern protein homeostasis. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), a protein superfamily consisting of more than 100 members, deconjugate ubiquitin chains from client proteins to regulate cellular homeostasis. However, the dysregulation of DUBs is reportedly associated with several diseases, including cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a highly complex entity comprising diverse noncancerous cells (e.g., immune cells and stromal cells) and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Since TME heterogeneity is closely related to tumorigenesis and immune evasion, targeting TME components has recently been considered an attractive therapeutic strategy for restoring antitumor immunity. Emerging studies have revealed the involvement of DUBs in immune modulation within the TME, including the regulation of immune checkpoints and immunocyte infiltration and function, which renders DUBs promising for potent cancer immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the roles of DUBs in the crosstalk between tumors and their surrounding components have not been comprehensively reviewed. In this review, we discuss the involvement of DUBs in the dynamic interplay between tumors, immune cells, and stromal cells and illustrate how dysregulated DUBs facilitate immune evasion and promote tumor progression. We also summarize potential small molecules that target DUBs to alleviate immunosuppression and suppress tumorigenesis. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges regarding the targeting of DUBs in cancer immunotherapeutics and several urgent problems that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Kai Hsu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Chon-Kit Chou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078, P.R. China
| | - I-Ling Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tsan Chang
- Division of General and Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - I-Ying Kuo
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Chih Chiu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
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31
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Chen Q, Luo J, Liu J, Yu H, Zhou M, Yu L, Chen Y, Zhang S, Mo Z. Integrating single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to elucidate the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma with spleen-deficiency syndrome. J Tradit Complement Med 2024; 14:321-334. [PMID: 38707923 PMCID: PMC11068993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China have been diagnosed with spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS), which accelerates the progression of HCC by disrupting the tumor microenvironment homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the intercellular crosstalk in HCC with SDS. Experimental procedure An HCC-SDS mouse model was established using orthotopic HCC transplantation based on reserpine-induced SDS. Single-cell data analysis and cancer cell prediction were conducted using Seurat and CopyKAT package, respectively. Intercellular interactions were explored using CellPhoneDB and CellChat and subsequently validated using co-culture assays, ELISA and histological staining. We performed pathway activity analysis using gene set variation analysis and the Seurat package. The extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling was assessed using a gel contraction assay, atomic force microscopy, and Sirius red staining. The deconvolution of the spatial transcriptomics data using the "CARD" package based on single-cell data. Results and conclusion We successfully established the HCC-SDS mouse model. Twenty-nine clusters were identified. The interactions between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were significantly enhanced via platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling in HCC-SDS. CAFs recruited in HCC-SDS lead to ECM remodeling and the activation of TGF-β signaling pathway. Deconvolution of the spatial transcriptome data revealed that CAFs physically surround cancer cells in HCC-SDS. This study reveals that the crosstalk of CAFs-cancer cells is crucial for the tumor-promoting effect of SDS. CAFs recruited by HCC via PDGFA may lead to ECM remodeling through activation of the TGF-β pathway, thereby forming a physical barrier to block immune cell infiltration under SDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China
| | - Jin Luo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China
| | - He Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China
| | - Meiling Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China
| | - Ling Yu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical College to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510630, China
| | - Shijun Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China
| | - Zhuomao Mo
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 311113, China
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32
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Kumagai S, Itahashi K, Nishikawa H. Regulatory T cell-mediated immunosuppression orchestrated by cancer: towards an immuno-genomic paradigm for precision medicine. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:337-353. [PMID: 38424196 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant signalling stemming from genetic abnormalities in cancer cells has a fundamental role in their evasion of antitumour immunity. Immune escape mechanisms include enhanced expression of immunosuppressive molecules, such as immune-checkpoint proteins, and the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells, including regulatory T (Treg) cells, in the tumour microenvironment. Therefore, Treg cells are key targets for cancer immunotherapy. Given that therapies targeting molecules predominantly expressed by Treg cells, such as CD25 or GITR, have thus far had limited antitumour efficacy, elucidating how certain characteristics of cancer, particularly genetic abnormalities, influence Treg cells is necessary to develop novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Hence, Treg cell-targeted strategies based on the particular characteristics of cancer in each patient, such as the combination of immune-checkpoint inhibitors with molecularly targeted agents that disrupt the immunosuppressive networks mediating Treg cell recruitment and/or activation, could become a new paradigm of cancer therapy. In this Review, we discuss new insights on the mechanisms by which cancers generate immunosuppressive networks that attenuate antitumour immunity and how these networks confer resistance to cancer immunotherapy, with a focus on Treg cells. These insights lead us to propose the concept of 'immuno-genomic precision medicine' based on specific characteristics of cancer, especially genetic profiles, that correlate with particular mechanisms of tumour immune escape and might, therefore, inform the optimal choice of immunotherapy for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Kumagai
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Cellular Signalling, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kota Itahashi
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan.
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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33
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Lee DU, Han BS, Jung KH, Hong SS. Tumor Stroma as a Therapeutic Target for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2024; 32:281-290. [PMID: 38590092 PMCID: PMC11063484 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2024.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis owing to its desmoplastic stroma. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting this tumor stroma should be developed. In this study, we describe the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their diverse roles in the progression, immune evasion, and resistance to treatment of PDAC. We subclassified the spatial distribution and functional activity of CAFs to highlight their effects on prognosis and drug delivery. Extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronan are described for their roles in tumor behavior and treatment outcomes, implying their potential as therapeutic targets. We also discussed the roles of extracellular matrix (ECM) including matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors in PDAC progression. Finally, we explored the role of the adaptive and innate immune systems in shaping the PDAC microenvironment and potential therapeutic strategies, with a focus on immune cell subsets, cytokines, and immunosuppressive mechanisms. These insights provide a comprehensive understanding of PDAC and pave the way for the development of prognostic markers and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Ui Lee
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Han
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, The Graduate School, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Jung
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22332, Republic of Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, The Graduate School, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
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Imperial R, Mosalem O, Majeed U, Tran NH, Borad MJ, Babiker H. Second-Line Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Shedding Light on New Opportunities and Key Talking Points from Clinical Trials. Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2024; 17:121-134. [PMID: 38650920 PMCID: PMC11034511 DOI: 10.2147/ceg.s390655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in overall cancer mortality, deaths related to pancreatic cancer continue to rise. Following first-line treatment, second-line options are significantly limited. Classically, first-line treatment consisted of either gemcitabine or 5-fluorouracil based systemic chemotherapy. Upon progression of disease or recurrence, subsequent second-line treatment is still gemcitabine or 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy, depending on what was used in the first line and the timing of progression or recurrence. A better understanding of the molecular underpinnings of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has led to new treatment strategies including specifically targeting the desmoplastic stroma, cytokine signaling and actionable mutations. Furthermore, efforts are also directed to enhance the immunogenicity profile of PDAC's well-established immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironment. More recently, the outstanding response rates of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells in hematologic malignancies, have led to clinical trials to evaluate the treatment modality in PDAC. In this review, we summarize recently presented clinical trials for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma with novel treatment approaches in the second line and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Imperial
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Osama Mosalem
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Umair Majeed
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Mitesh J Borad
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Hani Babiker
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Lv D, Fei Y, Chen H, Wang J, Han W, Cui B, Feng Y, Zhang P, Chen J. Crosstalk between T lymphocyte and extracellular matrix in tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340702. [PMID: 38690275 PMCID: PMC11058664 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex three-dimensional structure composed of proteins, glycans, and proteoglycans, constituting a critical component of the tumor microenvironment. Complex interactions among immune cells, extracellular matrix, and tumor cells promote tumor development and metastasis, consequently influencing therapeutic efficacy. Hence, elucidating these interaction mechanisms is pivotal for precision cancer therapy. T lymphocytes are an important component of the immune system, exerting direct anti-tumor effects by attacking tumor cells or releasing lymphokines to enhance immune effects. The ECM significantly influences T cells function and infiltration within the tumor microenvironment, thereby impacting the behavior and biological characteristics of tumor cells. T cells are involved in regulating the synthesis, degradation, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix through the secretion of cytokines and enzymes. As a result, it affects the proliferation and invasive ability of tumor cells as well as the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying T lymphocyte-ECM interactions in the tumor immune microenvironment and their potential application in immunotherapy. It provides novel insights for the development of innovative tumor therapeutic strategies and drug.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Sun X, Song H, Sun X, Liao C, Wang G, Xu Y, Li L, Han Y, Xu C, Wang W, Cai S, Liang H, Yu H. A 15-Inflammation-Related Gene Signature Predicts the Prognosis of Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Invest 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38616304 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2340577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation promotes the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and PDAC-related inflammatory tumor microenvironment facilitates tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, we aimed to study the association between inflammatory response and prognosis in patients with PDAC. We conducted the whole transcriptomic sequencing using tissue samples collected from patients diagnosed with PDAC (n = 106) recruited from Shandong Cancer Hospital. We first constructed a prognostic signature using 15 inflammation-related genes in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 177) and further validated it in an independent International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohort (n = 90) and our in-house cohort. PDAC patients with a higher risk score had poorer overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001; HR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.94-4.70). The association between the prognostic signature and OS remained significant in the multivariable Cox regression adjusting for age, sex, alcohol exposure, diabetes, and stage (P < 0.001; HR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.73-4.89). This gene signature also robustly predicted prognosis in the ICGC cohort (P = 0.01; HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.14-3.30) and our cohort (P < 0.001; HR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.45-3.97). Immune subtype C3 (inflammatory) was enriched and CD8+ T cells were higher in patients with a lower risk score (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PDAC patients with higher risk scores were more sensitive to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and PARP inhibitors (P < 0.05). In sum, we identified a novel gene signature that was associated with inflammatory response for risk stratification, prognosis prediction, and therapy guidance in PDAC patients. Future studies are warranted to validate the clinical utility of the signature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hao Song
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoran Sun
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | | | | | - Yu Xu
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Leo Li
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yusheng Han
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chunwei Xu
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wenxian Wang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shangli Cai
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hua Liang
- Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Hao Yu
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China
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Cepni B, Tessonnier T, Dokic I, Brons S, Tawk B, Mairani A, Abdollahi A, Debus J, Herfarth K, Liermann J. Evaluation of Helium Ion Radiotherapy in Combination with Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1497. [PMID: 38672579 PMCID: PMC11049166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. New treatment strategies are highly warranted. Particle radiotherapy could offer a way to overcome the radioresistant nature of pancreatic cancer because of its biological and physical characteristics. Within particles, helium ions represent an attractive therapy option to achieve the highest possible conformity while at the same time protecting the surrounding normal tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic efficacy of helium ion irradiation in pancreatic cancer in vitro. METHODS Human pancreatic cancer cell lines AsPC-1, BxPC-3 and Panc-1 were irradiated with photons and helium ions at various doses and treated with gemcitabine. Photon irradiation was performed with a biological cabin X-ray irradiator, and helium ion irradiation was performed with a spread-out Bragg peak using the raster scanning technique at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT). The cytotoxic effect on pancreatic cancer cells was measured with clonogenic survival. The survival curves were compared to the predicted curves that were calculated via the modified microdosimetric kinetic model (mMKM). RESULTS The experimental relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of helium ion irradiation ranged from 1.0 to 1.7. The predicted survival curves obtained via mMKM calculations matched the experimental survival curves. Mainly additive cytotoxic effects were observed for the cell lines AsPC-1, BxPC-3 and Panc-1. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the cytotoxic efficacy of helium ion radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer in vitro as well as the capability of mMKM calculation and its value for biological plan optimization in helium ion therapy for pancreatic cancer. A combined treatment of helium irradiation and chemotherapy with gemcitabine leads to mainly additive cytotoxic effects in pancreatic cancer cell lines. The data generated in this study may serve as the radiobiological basis for future experimental and clinical works using helium ion radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Cepni
- Heidelberg University School of Medicine, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Thomas Tessonnier
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ivana Dokic
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Brons
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bouchra Tawk
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Mairani
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amir Abdollahi
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (I.D.); (B.T.); (A.A.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Herfarth
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jakob Liermann
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.T.); (S.B.); (A.M.); (J.D.); (K.H.)
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Li Z, Mo F, Guo K, Ren S, Wang Y, Chen Y, Schwartz PB, Richmond N, Liu F, Ronnekleiv-Kelly SM, Hu Q. Nanodrug-bacteria conjugates-mediated oncogenic collagen depletion enhances immune checkpoint blockade therapy against pancreatic cancer. MED 2024; 5:348-367.e7. [PMID: 38521069 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cancer cells specifically produce abnormal oncogenic collagen to bind with integrin α3β1 receptor and activate the downstream focal adhesion kinase (FAK), protein kinase B (AKT), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Collectively, this promotes immunosuppression and tumor proliferation and restricts the response rate of clinical cancer immunotherapies. METHODS Here, by leveraging the hypoxia tropism and excellent motility of the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (ECN), we developed nanodrug-bacteria conjugates to penetrate the extracellular matrix (ECM) and shuttle the surface-conjugated protein cages composed of collagenases and anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies to PDAC tumor parenchyma. FINDINGS We found the oncogenic collagen expression in human pancreatic cancer patients and demonstrated its interaction with integrin α3β1. We proved that reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microenvironment of PDAC triggered collagenase release to degrade oncogenic collagen and block integrin α3β1-FAK signaling pathway, thus overcoming the immunosuppression and synergizing with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our study highlights the significance of oncogenic collagen in PDAC immunotherapy, and consequently, we developed a therapeutic strategy that can deplete oncogenic collagen to synergize with immune checkpoint blockade for enhanced PDAC treatment efficacy. FUNDING This work was supported by the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Research Collaborative and Pancreas Cancer Research Task Force, UWCCC Transdisciplinary Cancer Immunology-Immunotherapy Pilot Project, and the start-up package from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (to Q.H.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoting Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Fanyi Mo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shuai Ren
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Patrick B Schwartz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nathaniel Richmond
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Fengyuan Liu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sean M Ronnekleiv-Kelly
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Yu S, Zhang L, Yang Y, Wang M, Liu T, Ji W, Liu Y, Lv H, Zhao Y, Chen X, Hu T. Polydopamine-Based Resveratrol-Hyaluronidase Nanomedicine Inhibited Pancreatic Cancer Cell Invasive Phenotype in Hyaluronic Acid Enrichment Tumor Sphere Model. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1013-1022. [PMID: 38633596 PMCID: PMC11020062 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The dense storm microenvironment formed by an excessively cross-linked extracellular matrix, such as hyaluronic acid and collagens, serves as a major barrier that prevents drugs from reaching the deeper tumor. Current traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures are not capable of modeling this drug delivery barrier in vitro. Thus, tumor spheroids have become increasingly important in cancer research due to their three-dimensional structure. Currently, various methods have been developed to construct tumor spheroids. However, there are still challenges, such as lengthy construction time, complex composition of added growth factors, and high cultivation costs. To address this technical bottleneck, our study combined the GelMA hydrogel system to develop a rapid and high-yield method for tumor spheroids generation. Additionally, we proposed an evaluation scheme to assess the effects of drugs on tumor spheroids. Building on the hyaluronic acid-rich pathological tumor microenvironment, we constructed a resveratrol-loaded nano-drug delivery system with tumor stroma modulation capability and used a three-dimensional (3D) tumor sphere model to simulate in vivo tumor conditions. This process was utilized to completely evaluate the ability of the nano-drug delivery system to enhance the deep penetration of resveratrol in the tumor microenvironment, providing new insights into future oncology drug screening, efficacy assessment, and drug delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yu
- Department
of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
- Department
of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated
Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710004, China
- Bioinspired
Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710000, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- National
& Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and
Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital
of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Yanshen Yang
- Bioinspired
Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710000, China
| | - Meijuan Wang
- Department
of Anesthesia, Guangdong Provincial People’s
Hospital, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department
of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Wenwen Ji
- Department
of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department
of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated
Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Hao Lv
- Department
of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated
Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- National
& Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and
Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital
of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Xi Chen
- National
& Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and
Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital
of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Tinghua Hu
- Department
of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
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Wang Y, Pattarayan D, Huang H, Zhao Y, Li S, Wang Y, Zhang M, Li S, Yang D. Systematic investigation of chemo-immunotherapy synergism to shift anti-PD-1 resistance in cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3178. [PMID: 38609378 PMCID: PMC11015024 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemo-immunotherapy combinations have been regarded as one of the most practical ways to improve immunotherapy response in cancer patients. In this study, we integrate the transcriptomics data from anti-PD-1-treated tumors and compound-treated cancer cell lines to systematically screen for chemo-immunotherapy synergisms in silico. Through analyzing anti-PD-1 induced expression changes in patient tumors, we develop a shift ability score to measure if a chemotherapy or a small molecule inhibitor treatment can shift anti-PD-1 resistance in tumor cells. By applying shift ability analysis to 41,321 compounds and 16,853 shRNA treated cancer cell lines transcriptomic data, we characterize the landscape of chemo-immunotherapy synergism and experimentally validated a mitochondrial RNA-dependent mechanism for drug-induced immune activation in tumor. Our study represents an effort to mechanistically characterize chemo-immunotherapy synergism and will facilitate future pre-clinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Dhamotharan Pattarayan
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Haozhe Huang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Yueshan Zhao
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Sihan Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Yifei Wang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Da Yang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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Olaoba OT, Yang M, Adelusi TI, Maidens T, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O’Carroll KF, Li G. Targeted Therapy for Highly Desmoplastic and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1470. [PMID: 38672552 PMCID: PMC11048089 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a very poor prognosis. Despite advancements in treatment strategies, PDAC remains recalcitrant to therapies because patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The advanced stage of PDAC is characterized by metastasis, which typically renders it unresectable by surgery or untreatable by chemotherapy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC comprises highly proliferative myofibroblast-like cells and hosts the intense deposition of a extracellular matrix component that forms dense fibrous connective tissue, a process called the desmoplastic reaction. In desmoplastic TMEs, the incessant aberration of signaling pathways contributes to immunosuppression by suppressing antitumor immunity. This feature offers a protective barrier that impedes the targeted delivery of drugs. In addition, the efficacy of immunotherapy is compromised because of the immune cold TME of PDAC. Targeted therapy approaches towards stromal and immunosuppressive TMEs are challenging. In this review, we discuss cellular and non-cellular TME components that contain actionable targets for drug development. We also highlight findings from preclinical studies and provide updates about the efficacies of new investigational drugs in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamide T. Olaoba
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
| | - Temitope I. Adelusi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Tessa Maidens
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
| | - Eric T. Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (O.T.O.); (M.Y.); (T.I.A.); (T.M.); (E.T.K.)
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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Veiga RN, de Azevedo ALK, de Oliveira JC, Gradia DF. Targeting EphA2: a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance and drug resistance in cancer. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:479-493. [PMID: 38393661 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 (EphA2) is a vital member of the Eph tyrosine kinase receptor family and has been associated with developmental processes. However, it is often overexpressed in tumors and correlates with cancer progression and worse prognosis due to the activation of its noncanonical signaling pathway. Throughout cancer treatment, the emergence of drug-resistant tumor cells is relatively common. Since the early 2000s, researchers have focused on understanding the role of EphA2 in promoting drug resistance in different types of cancer, as well as finding efficient and secure EphA2 inhibitors. In this review, the current knowledge regarding induced resistance by EphA2 in cancer treatment is summarized, and the types of cancer that lead to the most cancer-related deaths are highlighted. Some EphA2 inhibitors were also investigated. Regardless of whether the cancer treatment has reached a drug-resistance stage in EphA2-overexpressing tumors, once EphA2 is involved in cancer progression and aggressiveness, targeting EphA2 is a promising therapeutic strategy, especially in combination with other target-drugs for synergistic effect. For that reason, monoclonal antibodies against EphA2 and inhibitors of this receptor should be investigated for efficacy and drug toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Nasser Veiga
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Luiz Korte de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Carvalho de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Daniela Fiori Gradia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil.
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Gil-Henn H, Girault JA, Lev S. PYK2, a hub of signaling networks in breast cancer progression. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:312-326. [PMID: 37586982 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) involves complex signaling networks characterized by extensive cross-communication and feedback loops between and within multiple signaling cascades. Many of these signaling pathways are driven by genetic alterations of oncogene and/or tumor-suppressor genes and are influenced by various environmental cues. We describe unique roles of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase (NRTK) PYK2 in signaling integration and feedback looping in BC. PYK2 functions as a signaling hub in various cascades, and its involvement in positive and negative feedback loops enhances signaling robustness, modulates signaling dynamics, and contributes to BC growth, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, migration, invasion, and metastasis. We also discuss the potential of PYK2 as a therapeutic target in various BC subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hava Gil-Henn
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Jean-Antoine Girault
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité Mixte de Recherche en Santé (UMRS) 1270, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sima Lev
- Molecular Cell Biology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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Ji HF, Yang ZQ, Han JJ, Li HF, Jin ZQ, Chen WQ, Chen FH, Gong MC. Safflower Yellow Inhibits Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Modulating Immunological Tolerance via FAK Pathway. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:339-347. [PMID: 37943489 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3705-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the anti-tumor effect of safflower yellow (SY) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying potential mechanism. METHODS An in vitro model was established by mixing Luc-Hepa1-6 cells and CD3+CD8+ T cells, followed by adding programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody (Anti-mPD-1) with or without SY. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and the level of inflammatory cytokines was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), chemokine ligand (CCL5), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) were measured by Western blot. An in situ animal model was established in mice followed by treatment with anti-mPD-1 with or without SY. Bioluminescence imaging was monitored with an AniView 100 imaging system. To establish the FAK-overexpressed Luc-Hepa1-6 cells, cells were transfected with adenovirus containing pcDNA3.1-FAK for 48 h. RESULTS The fluorescence intensity, apoptotic rate, release of inflammatory cytokines, and CCL5/CXCL10 secretion were dramatically facilitated by anti-mPD-1 (P<0.01), accompanied by an inactivation of PD-1/PD-L1 axis, which were extremely further enhanced by SY (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Increased fluorescence intensity, elevated percentage of CD3+CD8+ T cells, facilitated release of inflammatory cytokines, inactivated PD-1/PD-L1 axis, and increased CCL5/CXCL10 secretion were observed in Anti-mPD-1 treated mice (P<0.01), which were markedly enhanced by SY (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, the enhanced effects of SY on inhibiting tumor cell growth, facilitating apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine releasing, suppressing the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, and inducing the CCL5/CXCL10 secretion in Anti-mPD-1 treated mixture of Luc-Hepa1-6 cells and CD3+CD8+ T cells were abolished by FAK overexpression (P<0.01). CONCLUSION SY inhibited the progression of HCC by mediating immunological tolerance through inhibiting FAK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Feng Ji
- Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Zi-Qiang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Jun-Jun Han
- Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - He-Fang Li
- Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Zhao-Qing Jin
- Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Wei-Qing Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Fei-Hua Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Mou-Chun Gong
- Department of General Surgery, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Hangzhou, 311300, China.
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Newhook TE, Tsai S, Meric-Bernstam F. Precision Oncology in Hepatopancreatobiliary Cancer Surgery. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2024; 33:343-367. [PMID: 38401914 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Advances in technology have allowed for the characterization of tumors at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels. There are well-established targets for biliary tract cancers, with exciting new targets emerging in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and potential targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. Taken together, these data suggest an important role for molecular profiling for personalizing cancer therapy in advanced disease and need for design of novel neoadjuvant studies to leverage these novel therapeutics perioperatively in the surgical patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Newhook
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Susan Tsai
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, N924 Doan Hall, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, FC8.3044, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Ding B, Ye Z, Yin H, Hong XY, Feng SW, Xu JY, Shen Y. Comprehensive single-cell analysis reveals heterogeneity of fibroblast subpopulations in ovarian cancer tissue microenvironment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27873. [PMID: 38533040 PMCID: PMC10963331 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer, as a highly malignant tumor, features the critical involvement of tumor-associated fibroblasts in the ovarian cancer tissue microenvironment. However, due to the apparent heterogeneity within fibroblast subpopulations, the specific functions of these subpopulations in the ovarian cancer tissue microenvironment remain insufficiently elucidated. Methods In this study, we integrated single-cell sequencing data from 32 ovarian cancer samples derived from four distinct cohorts and 3226 bulk RNA-seq data from GEO and TCGA-OV cohorts. Utilizing computational frameworks such as Seurat, Monocle 2, Cellchat, and others, we analyzed the characteristics of the ovarian cancer tissue microenvironment, focusing particularly on fibroblast subpopulations and their differentiation trajectories. Employing the CIBERSORTX computational framework, we assessed various cellular components within the ovarian cancer tissue microenvironment and evaluated their associations with ovarian cancer prognosis. Additionally, we conducted Mendelian randomization analysis based on cis-eQTL to investigate causal relationships between gene expression and ovarian cancer. Results Through integrative analysis, we identified 13 major cell types present in ovarian cancer tissues, including CD8+ T cells, malignant cells, and fibroblasts. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) cell proportions revealed a significant increase in the proportion of CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, while fibroblasts predominated in normal tissues. Further subgroup analysis of fibroblasts identified seven subgroups, with the MMP11+Fib subgroup showing the highest activity in the TGFβ signaling pathway. Single-cell analysis suggested that oxidative phosphorylation could be a key pathway driving fibroblast differentiation, and the ATRNL1+KCN + Fib subgroup exhibited chromosomal copy number variations. Prognostic analysis using a large sample size indicated that high infiltration of MMP11+ fibroblasts was associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. SMR analysis identified 132 fibroblast differentiation-related genes, which were linked to pathways such as platinum drug resistance. Conclusions In the context of ovarian cancer, fibroblasts expressing MMP11 emerge as the primary drivers of the TGF-beta signaling pathway. Their presence correlates with an increased risk of adverse ovarian prognoses. Additionally, the genetic regulation governing the differentiation of fibroblasts associated with ovarian cancer correlates with the emergence of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Ye
- Institute of Computational Science and Technology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Han Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin-Yi Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Song-wei Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing-Yun Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Shi Y, Ju M, Zhang Y, Liang L, Sun X, Di X. Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of 33 human cancers reveals immunotherapeutic value of focal adhesion tyrosine kinase. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37362. [PMID: 38518034 PMCID: PMC10956984 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune environment in tumors is the key factor affecting the survival and immunotherapeutic response of patients. This research aimed to explore the underlying association between focal adhesion tyrosine kinase (FAK/PTK2) and cancer immunotherapy in 33 human cancers. Gene expression data and clinical features of 33 cancers were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas Database. The immunotherapy cohorts included GSE67501, GSE78220, and IMVIGOR210, which were derived from the comprehensive gene expression database or from previous studies. Clinical parameters including patient age, gender, survival rate, and tumor stage were analyzed to evaluate the prognostic value of FAK/PTK2. FAK/PTK2 activity was detected by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis and used to compare the difference between FAK/PTK2 transcriptome and protein expression levels. To better understand the role of FAK/PTK2 in cancer immunotherapy, we analyzed its correlations with tumor microenvironment and with immune processes/elements (e.g., immune cell infiltration, immunosuppressants, and stimulants) and major histocompatible complexes. Potential pathways associated with FAK/PTK2 signaling in cancers were also explored. Correlations between FAK/PTK2 and 2 immunotherapeutic biomarkers (tumor mutation load and microsatellite instability) were studied. Finally, the 3 independent immunotherapy cohorts were used to study the relationship between FAK/PTK2 and immunotherapeutic response. Although FAK/PTK2 is not closely associated with age (13/33), gender (5/33), or tumor stage (5/33) in any of the studied human cancers, it has potential prognostic value for predicting patient survival. Consistency between FAK/PTK2 activity and expression exists in some cancers (3/33). Generally, FAK/PTK2 is robustly correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune modulators, and immunotherapeutic markers. Moreover, high FAK/PTK2 expression is significantly related to immune-relevant pathways. However, FAK/PTK2 is not significantly correlated with the immunotherapeutic response. Research on the immunotherapeutic value of FAK/PTK2 in 33 human cancers provides evidence regarding the function of FAK/PTK2 and its role in clinical treatment. However, given the use of a bioinformatics approach, our results are preliminary and require further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Shi
- Department of Oncology, The People’s Hospital of Jurong City, Jurong Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Mengyang Ju
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Radiation Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Liang
- Department of Oncology, The People’s Hospital of Jurong City, Jurong Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xinchen Sun
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoke Di
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanjing, China
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Wu H, Zhang XH, Wang LP, Tian HD, Liu GR, Yang DH, Liu SL. Successful Outcome of a Patient with Concomitant Pancreatic and Renal Carcinoma Receiving Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Therapy Alone: A Case Report. Int Med Case Rep J 2024; 17:167-175. [PMID: 38504721 PMCID: PMC10949998 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s446184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the deadliest malignancies. Kidney cancer (KC) is a common malignancy globally. Chemo- or radio-therapies are not very effective to control PC or KC, and overdoses often cause severe site reactions to the patients. As a result, novel treatment strategies with high efficacy but without toxic side effects are urgently desired. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) belongs to plant lignans with potential anticancer activities, but clinical evidence is not available in PC or KC treatment. Patient Concerns We report a rare case of an 83-year-old female patient with pancreatic and kidney occupying lesions that lacked the conditions to receive surgery or chemo- or radiotherapy. Diagnosis Pancreatic and kidney cancers. Interventions We gave dietary SDG to the patient as the only therapeutics. Outcomes SDG effectively halted progression of both PC and KC. All clinical manifestations, including bad insomnia, loss of appetite, stomach symptoms, and skin itching over the whole body, all disappeared. The initial massive macroscopic hematuria became microscopic and infrequent, and other laboratory results also gradually returned to normal. Most of the cancer biomarkers, initially high such as CEA, CA199, CA724, CA125, came down rapidly, among which CA199 changed most radically. This patient has had progression-free survival of one year so far. Conclusion These results demonstrate the potent inhibitory effects of SDG on PC and KC of this patient and provide promising novel therapeutics for refractory malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Genomics Research Center (State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xing-Hua Zhang
- Genomics Research Center (State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Ping Wang
- KangYuan Hospital, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Xun-Qi Medicine Clinic, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Da Tian
- Genomics Research Center (State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gui-Rong Liu
- Genomics Research Center (State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dong-Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Lin Liu
- Genomics Research Center (State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- KangYuan Hospital, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Xun-Qi Medicine Clinic, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Ouyang P, Wang L, Wu J, Tian Y, Chen C, Li D, Yao Z, Chen R, Xiang G, Gong J, Bao Z. Overcoming cold tumors: a combination strategy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1344272. [PMID: 38545114 PMCID: PMC10965539 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1344272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has advanced significantly in treating malignant tumors, though most 'cold' tumors show no response. This resistance mainly arises from the varied immune evasion mechanisms. Hence, understanding the transformation from 'cold' to 'hot' tumors is essential in developing effective cancer treatments. Furthermore, tumor immune profiling is critical, requiring a range of diagnostic techniques and biomarkers for evaluation. The success of immunotherapy relies on T cells' ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. In 'cold' tumors, the absence of T cell infiltration leads to the ineffectiveness of ICI therapy. Addressing these challenges, especially the impairment in T cell activation and homing, is crucial to enhance ICI therapy's efficacy. Concurrently, strategies to convert 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones, including boosting T cell infiltration and adoptive therapies such as T cell-recruiting bispecific antibodies and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells, are under extensive exploration. Thus, identifying key factors that impact tumor T cell infiltration is vital for creating effective treatments targeting 'cold' tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianlong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Caiyun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dengsheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zengxi Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruichang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoan Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin Gong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Bao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Wang S, Li Y, Xu C, Dong J, Wei J. An oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding hyaluronidase reshapes the extracellular matrix to enhance cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008431. [PMID: 38458640 PMCID: PMC10921532 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The redundant extracellular matrix (ECM) within tumor microenvironment (TME) such as hyaluronic acid (HA) often impairs intratumoral dissemination of antitumor drugs. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are being studied extensively for cancer therapy either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Here, we designed a novel recombinant vaccinia virus encoding a soluble version of hyaluronidase Hyal1 (OVV-Hyal1) to degrade the HA and investigated its antitumor effects in combination with chemo drugs, polypeptide, immune cells, and antibodies. METHODS We constructed a recombinant oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding the hyaluronidase, and investigated its function in remodeling the ECM of the TME, the antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in several murine solid tumors either alone, or in combination with chemo drugs including doxorubicin and gemcitabine, with polypeptide liraglutide, with immune therapeutics such as PD-L1/PD-1 blockade, CD47 antibody, and with CAR-T cells. RESULTS Compared with control OVV, intratumoral injection of OVV-Hyal1 showed superior antitumor efficacies in a series of mouse subcutaneous tumor models. Moreover, HA degradation by OVV-Hyal1 resulted in increased intratumoral dissemination of chemo drugs, infiltration of T cells, NK cells, macrophages, and activation of CD8+ T cells. When OVV-Hyal1 was combined with some antitumor therapeutics, for example, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, liraglutide, anti-PD-1, anti-CD47 blockade, or CAR-T cells, more profound therapeutic outcomes were obtained. CONCLUSIONS OVV-Hyal1 effectively degrades HA to reshape the TME, therefore overcoming some major hurdles in current cancer therapy, such as limited OVs spread, unfavored dissemination of chemo drugs, polypeptides, antibodies, and insufficient infiltration of effector immune cells. OVV-Hyal1 holds the promise to improve the antitumor outcomes of current cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuning Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiwu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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